From the Archives

from Roll Call September 2022 Issue 53 is now available

Camps are Back

The Collins dictionary defines “iconic” as “important or impressive because it seems to be a symbol of something.” Since taking up the role of Archivist last year, I have encountered a number of things which are recognised as iconic within the College’s history.

The Tower Building has been associated with De La Salle College, Malvern since it was opened in 1929. Whilst it is not the College’s first purpose-built school building, (that award goes to the building in Stanhope St West which is better known as the Tramway Museum), its image has become synonymous with the College in a way no other building on any of our campuses has. So, what is it about this building that makes it special? The Tower was designed by Bart Moriarty in 1928 specially to stand out in the urban landscape growing in the local area. At the time Moriarty, was well-established in Melbourne as a successful architect and building contractor, (p 5 Moreland City Council Heritage Citation 2020). He had been involved in the design of several Catholic Church buildings throughout Victoria and so seemed the most appropriate choice for the new school. Over the last 93 years since it was opened, The Tower has served as a backdrop for numerous momentous occasions, including whole school assemblies, sporting achievements and celebrations.

There have been other iconic buildings throughout the history of the College – “Manresa”, the Brother’s residence for many years until demolished to make way for the gymnasium; the Br Oswald Murdoch and Br Stanislaus Carmody buildings on Tiverton Campus; “Tiverton” and “Kinnoull” houses, both of which served a variety of purposes over the years but ultimately made way for other iconic buildings necessary for the progress of the growing school. In coming years, the recently renovated Br Peter Duffy, or the Br Damien Harvey buildings, or Holy Eucharist Campus may earn iconic status! The Tower Building is probably the most photographed building at the College and I have included some of the more “iconic” images as part of this article. The external pencil drawing was completed in 2002 and is just one of many images captured in different mediums of the external beauty of the building. Those of you who are Old Collegians will have many memories of battling up the stairs between storeys (or even the metal stairs that once led to the third floor of the tower!). One of the most beautiful aspects of the building, apart from its gothic architecture, is the glorious terrazzo floor at the entrance with the Lasallian star in the centre. If you have never seen it, then next time you are visiting the school for an event, make sure you take the time to admire it. If you would like to find out more about the iconic buildings in the school, or the Archives in general, please contact me on: archivist@delasalle.vic.edu.au.

By Marian Jenkinson College Archivist

The Tower Building classroom before refurbishment Architect’s drawing of Tower Buidling